Aidy White (original) (raw)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Irish footballer

Aidy White

Aidan Peter White (born 10 October 1991) is a former footballer who last played for Rochdale. He has represented both England U19s and Republic of Ireland U21s at international level.

Despite an injury-laden career, he achieved considerable success - winning three promotions and the EFL Trophy.

Born in Otley, West Yorkshire, White started his career at Leeds United in The Championship of the English Football League, joining their youth system in 2002, having attended the Brazilian Soccer Schools scheme for a number of years.[3] He made his debut for the Leeds first team at the age of 16 in a League Cup game against Crystal Palace on 26 August 2008,[4] being given a standing ovation from Leeds fans when he was replaced by substitute Bradley Johnson.[5] White made his league debut in the 2–0 win over Carlisle United on 20 September 2008 and signed a professional contract with Leeds in December, contracting him to the club until June 2012.[3] Having been highlighted as one of 20 future England stars, along with fellow Leeds teammate Fabian Delph in an article in The Guardian in November,[6] injury problems led to White missing much of the later part of the season as Leeds reached the playoffs.[7]

White returned to training after his injury problems for the start of the 2009–10 season. His injury problems resurfaced after suffering a knee injury during pre-season however, and he eventually made his first start and appearance of the season in a Football League Trophy game against Darlington. White started for Leeds in the FA Cup replay against Kettering Town but had to be replaced in the second half through injury.[8] White did not make his first league start of the season until the fixture at Elland Road against Oldham Athletic. White was played regularly for the remainder of the season, in which Leeds gained promotion to the Championship, after finishing runner-up in League One. White's form prompted him to be voted Leeds United's Young Player of the Year in the fans' End of Season Awards.

He made his first appearance in the Championship when he came on in the opening fixture as a second-half substitute in the loss to Derby County. White made his first start of the season in the match against Doncaster Rovers coming into the side for Fede Bessone.[9]

After starting Leeds' first season back in the Championship as a first team regular, White picked up a back injury soon after which ruled him out for a month. Manager Simon Grayson subsequently revealed that he was looking to send White out on loan,[10] so that he could get some more first team experience and also help improve his match fitness. He also stated that long-term he saw White as a left winger rather than a left back.[11]

Oldham Athletic loan

[edit]

On 18 November 2010, White joined Oldham Athletic on loan until the following January, a club managed by his former Leeds teammate Paul Dickov.[12] White scored his first goal in senior football on his debut for Oldham against Dagenham & Redbridge.[13] White's loan spell was disrupted by five fixture postponements due to adverse weather conditions.[14][15] He rejoined Oldham on loan on 27 January 2011 until the end of the season.[16] White finished his loan spell having played 24 matches and scoring four goals.

White wanted to use the experience during his loan spell the previous season to help revitalise his Leeds United career and to help earn him a regular starting spot. White also claimed that his time on loan had helped stop him get the bouts of cramp he used to suffer when playing for Leeds.[17] After playing a part in most of Leeds' pre-season fixtures, White received a new squad number of 28 for the forthcoming season.[18] After regaining a place in the starting eleven, White was suspended after being sent off against Ipswich Town.[19] Leeds appealed against the red card decision but were rejected, meaning White was forced to serve out his suspension.[20] In September 2011, White revealed he was now over the persistent cramp he used to suffer in games due to 'nervous anxiety' prior to his spell at Oldham.[21] White was linked with a move to Derby County in October; however, he revealed he wanted to stay at Leeds long-term after cementing his place in the Leeds side.[22] Having been Leeds' first choice left back, after a change in formation White found himself playing out on the left wing as the season progressed.[23] White turned down the offer of a new four-year contract with the club in December, amidst rumoured Premier League interest, but remained in negotiations with the club, with manager Simon Grayson confident White would commit his long-term future to Leeds.[24] After being deployed mainly as a left back under Simon Grayson, new manager Neil Warnock played White in an attacking right wing position. However, during March, White was ruled out for the rest of the season after picking up an injury whilst playing against Watford.[25] With Norwich City showing an interest in signing White at the end of his contract, Leeds stated that they were finalising an improved offer to extend White's contract.[26] After further reported transfer interest in White, this time from Newcastle United,[27] Leeds manager Neil Warnock confirmed that White had been offered a further new contract to keep him at the club.[28] White was again linked with moves to Celtic and Newcastle United. By the end of May, Warnock said he expected White to leave the club.[29] French club Lille OSC were then publicly linked with signing White, as were Bundesliga club Werder Bremen.[30]

Contrary to this speculation, in July 2012 White went on to sign a new deal with Leeds United, designed to keep him at the club for a further three years.[31]

White was allocated the number 14 shirt for the 2012–13 season.[32] White finally scored his first goal for Leeds United in their 2–1 League Cup victory against Premier League side Everton in September 2012.[33] White lost his place in the side during the January transfer window as Leeds signed left-back Stephen Warnock, with White subsequently being played in an unfamiliar role on the right-wing. At the club's End of Season Awards, White's goal against Everton won the award for the fastest goal from open play.[34]

In August 2013, Leeds United confirmed that they had rejected a joint bid from Blackpool for White and teammate Ross McCormack.[35] However, having spent most of the season in the reserves, in October White joined Sheffield United on loan until the start of January 2014.[36] After making eight appearances for the Blades, White picked up an ankle injury during their Boxing Day fixture with Oldham Athletic which ruled him out for a month. With his loan deal due to expire during that period, White returned early to his parent club to receive treatment.[37]

In July 2014, after playing regularly for Leeds in pre-season, White fractured his foot in a friendly against Chesterfield, which required surgery. The injury was set to keep White out for a period of two months, but after complications it was revealed White could miss the remainder of the 2014–15 season.[38] He did manage to return to the squad for the penultimate game of the season on 25 April 2015 when he was named as an unused substitute in a 2–1 win against Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday.[39] On 2 May 2015, White made his first appearance of the season when he came on as a substitute in the final game of the 2014–15 season against Rotherham United.

On 13 May 2015, upon the expiry of his contract, Leeds announced that they would not be renewing White's contract at the club.[40]

On 10 June 2015, White signed a one-year contract with Rotherham United.[41] He made ten first-team appearances for Rotherham between August and October before being sent out on loan. Upon his return from the loan spell, Rotherham United terminated his contract by mutual consent on 8 January 2016.[42]

On 17 November, White was loaned out to League One club Barnsley until 3 January 2016.[43]

On 8 January 2016, following his contract termination from Rotherham United, White signed a permanent deal with League One club Barnsley. In his first 6 months White won 2015–16 Johnstone's Paint Trophy and the 2015–16 League One Playoff Final.

On 20 June 2016, White signed a new contract with Barnsley, keeping him with the Championship club until 30 June 2017.[44] On 10 May 2017, the club announced that White would not be offered a contract extension.[45]

After two years out of football due to injury, White signed a two-year contract with Scottish Premiership club Hearts in March 2019.[46][47] On 31 May 2021, White's contract with Hearts ended and was released from the club.[48]

On 5 August 2021, White signed a two-year contract with Rochdale.[49]

White retired from football on 13 November 2023.[50]

International career

[edit]

White made his England under-19 debut in March 2009, when he came on as a 73rd-minute substitute against the Czech Republic at Walsall's Bescot Stadium in a 0–0 draw. White decided to change his International allegiance, and declared himself for the Republic of Ireland U21s. He was called up to the U21 squad to play Austria on 10 August 2011.[51] White made his debut for Republic of Ireland U21s starting the match against Austria. Ireland won the game 2–1 with White providing an assist for Robbie Brady.[52] White was again called up to the Ireland U21 squad for friendlies against Hungary and Turkey.[53] He kept his place in the squad for the U21 game against Liechtenstein and managed to score his first goal for Ireland in a 2–0 victory.[54][55]

Ireland under-21 manager Noel King said that White had been a revelation and that he expected White to break into the full senior squad.[56] After his form for both club and country, White was nominated for under-21 International player of the year at the FAI International Football Awards, with former Leeds teammate Darren O'Dea also nominated for an award.[57] White captained Republic of Ireland U21s to a 4–2 victory against Italy U21s on 10 September 2012.[58]

White was educated at St Mary's Menston Catholic Voluntary Academy and Boston Spa Academy.[59]

As of match played 14 January 2023[42]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

1. ^ a b c Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
2. ^ Three appearances in Football League Trophy, one appearance in League One playoffs
3. ^ a b Appearances in EFL Trophy

Leeds United

• Football League One runner-up: 2009–10

Barnsley

• Football League One play-offs: 2016[73]
• Football League Trophy: 2015–16[74]

Hearts

• Scottish Championship: 2020–21

Individual

• Leeds United Young Player of the Year: 2009–10

1. ^ a b "Squad". Leeds United F.C. Archived from the original on 13 June 2010. Retrieved 10 January 2010.
2. ^ Rollin, Glenda; Rollin, Jack, eds. (2012). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2012–2013 (43rd ed.). London: Headline. p. 483. ISBN 978-0-7553-6356-8.
3. ^ a b "Aidan White signs up". Leeds United F.C. 1 December 2008. Retrieved 10 January 2010.
4. ^ "New numbers". Leeds United F.C. 26 August 2008. Archived from the original on 11 September 2008. Retrieved 10 January 2010.
5. ^ "Cup of joy". Leeds United F.C. 26 August 2008. Retrieved 6 October 2009.
6. ^ "England's future stars: 20 to watch". The Guardian. 13 November 2008. Retrieved 10 January 2010.
7. ^ "Leeds United 1 Millwall 1: Match report". The Daily Telegraph. 14 May 2009.
8. ^ "Leeds United 5–1 Kettering". BBC Sport. 8 December 2009. Retrieved 10 January 2010.
9. ^ "United held at Doncaster". 17 September 2010. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
10. ^ "Loan move on cards for White". Yorkshire Eveneing Post. 24 September 2010. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
11. ^ "McCartney will strengthen Leeds – Grayson". BBC Sport. 23 September 2010. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
12. ^ "Defender Joins Oldham In Loan Deal". Leeds United F.C. 18 November 2010. Archived from the original on 1 November 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
13. ^ "Dag & Red 0–1 Oldham". BBC Sport. 20 November 2010. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
14. ^ "Oldham P-P Carlisle". BBC Sport. 26 December 2010. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
15. ^ "White wants to stay". Oldham Athletic Mad. 26 December 2010. Retrieved 15 March 2012.
16. ^ "All White As Aidy Rejoins Latics". Oldham Athletic A.F.C. 27 January 2011. Archived from the original on 31 January 2011. Retrieved 27 January 2011.
17. ^ "I'll show I'm made of the White stuff, says Leeds United youngster". The Telegraph and Argus. 24 May 2011. Retrieved 15 March 2012.
18. ^ "Squad Numbers Announced". Leeds United F.C. 1 August 2011. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. Retrieved 15 March 2012.
19. ^ "West Ham vs Leeds". BBC Sport. 21 August 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
20. ^ "White appeal unsuccessful". Leeds United F.C. 31 August 2011. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
21. ^ "Nerves won't be cramping Aidy White's style anymore". Yorkshire Evening Post. 23 September 2011. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
22. ^ "Elland Road starlet not looking to leave after Rams link". Sky Sports. 5 October 2011. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
23. ^ "United Romp To Emotional Success". Leeds United F.C. 29 November 2011. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
24. ^ "Grayson is confident of White contract deal". Yorkshire Evening Post. 10 December 2011. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
25. ^ "Youngster likely to miss the rest of the campaign". Sky Sports. 5 April 2012. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
26. ^ "Leeds United poised to make another contract offer to Aidy White". Yorkshire Evening Post. 4 April 2012. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
27. ^ "Newcastle United linked with Aidy White". Yorkshire Evening Post. 24 April 2012. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
28. ^ "Boss looking to keep key men..." Leeds United F.C. 2 May 2012. Retrieved 2 May 2012.
29. ^ "Leeds expect White departure". Sky Sports. 22 May 2012. Retrieved 22 May 2012.
30. ^ "Overseas interest in White". Sky Sports. 7 June 2012. Retrieved 7 June 2012.
31. ^ "White Agrees New Deal". Leeds United F.C. 20 July 2012. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
32. ^ "New squad numbers announced". Leeds United F.C. 3 August 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
33. ^ "United Sink Everton". Leeds United F.C. 25 September 2012. Retrieved 21 September 2013.
34. ^ "Sam Wins The Big Prizes". Leeds United F.C. 28 April 2013. Retrieved 28 April 2013.
35. ^ "Blackpool interest in McCormack and White knocked back". Yorkshire Evening Post. 3 August 2013. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
36. ^ "Aidy White: Sheffield United sign Leeds United defender". BBC Sport. 29 October 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
37. ^ "Aidy White to return to Leeds United with injury". BBC Sport. 27 December 2013. Retrieved 31 December 2013.
38. ^ "Neil Redfearn hopes Aidy White can still carve out Leeds career". Sky Sports. 2 May 2015. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
39. ^ "Sheffield Wednesday 1–2 Leeds United". BBC Sport. 25 April 2015. Retrieved 26 April 2015.
40. ^ "Austin Released by Leeds United". Leeds United. 13 May 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
41. ^ "Millers make first close season signing". Rotherham United FC. 10 June 2015. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
42. ^ a b [1] Soccerway. 17 November 2015. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
43. ^ "White Joins Reds on Loan". Barnsley FC. 17 November 2015. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
44. ^ "Aidy White Signs New Contract!". www.barnsleyfc.co.uk. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
45. ^ "RETAINED LIST". Barnsley FC. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
46. ^ "Aidy arrives at Hearts | Heart of Midlothian Football Club".
47. ^ "Hearts: 'He's got a lot of work to do' – Craig Levein on new signing Aidy White". BBC Sport. 8 March 2019. Retrieved 8 March 2019.
48. ^ "Player departures | Heart Of Midlothian Football Club". www.heartsfc.co.uk. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
49. ^ "Aidy White Joins Dale". www.rochdaleafc.co.uk. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
50. ^ @leedsutdacademy (13 November 2023). "🤍 #LUFCAcademy graduate Aidy White has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 32 All the best for the future, Aidy! #OneOfOurOwn" (Tweet). Retrieved 8 December 2023 – via Twitter.
51. ^ "Kearns Called Up to Irish U21s". Dundalk F.C. 3 July 2011. Retrieved 15 March 2012.
52. ^ "Debut Man Aidy Creates Opener". Leeds United F.C. 10 August 2011. Archived from the original on 1 January 2014. Retrieved 15 March 2012.
53. ^ "Aidy Back on the Euro Trail". Leeds United F.C. 30 August 2011. Archived from the original on 1 January 2014. Retrieved 15 March 2012.
54. ^ "United Trio in Ireland Frame". Leeds United F.C. 27 September 2011. Archived from the original on 1 January 2014. Retrieved 15 March 2012.
55. ^ "Aidy Bags A First". Leeds United F.C. 15 November 2011. Archived from the original on 1 January 2014. Retrieved 15 March 2012.
56. ^ "Republic of Ireland Under-21 coach hails White". The Yorkshire Evening Post. 17 November 2011. Retrieved 17 November 2011.
57. ^ "Irish Double Act Up For Awards". Leeds United F.C. 22 February 2012. Archived from the original on 1 January 2014. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
58. ^ "Aidy Leads Ireland To Glory". Leeds United F.C. 11 September 2012. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
59. ^ "Combine football with studies". LeedsUnited.com. Leeds United. 29 February 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
60. ^ "Games played by Aidy White in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
61. ^ "Games played by Aidy White in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
62. ^ a b "Games played by Aidy White in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
63. ^ "Games played by Aidy White in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
64. ^ "Games played by Aidy White in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
65. ^ a b "Games played by Aidy White in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
66. ^ "Games played by Aidy White in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
67. ^ a b c "Games played by Aidy White in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
68. ^ "Games played by Aidy White in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
69. ^ "Games played by Aidy White in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
70. ^ "Games played by Aidy White in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
71. ^ "Games played by Aidy White in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
72. ^ "Games played by Aidy White in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
73. ^ Stevens, Rob (29 May 2016). "Barnsley 3–1 Millwall". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
74. ^ Cartwright, Phil (3 April 2016). "Barnsley 3–2 Oxford United". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 December 2018.

• Aidy White at Soccerbase